Russia goes to the polls to elect Vladimir Putin for the fourth term!
| Updated: Mar 19, 2018, 10:19 IST
Russians have gone to the polls in presidential elections that can only have one outcome: the re-election of Vladimir Putin for the fourth term in office! Putin’s win of a fourth six-year term was tainted by widespread reports of ballot-box stuffing and forced voting, but the complaints will likely do little to undermine him. The longtime Russian leader took more than 75% of the votes, according to the Central Elections Commission, beating seven candidates — including the daughter of his late mentor.
His victory comes as he faces mounting scrutiny from the West for Russian meddling in the United States’ 2016 election to which he has vehemently denied the charges — even as special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation indicted 13 Russian nationals and a handful of companies last month for infiltrating the election process. In a speech near Red Square late Sunday, Putin thanked his thousands of supporters and called for unity, saying his nation is “bound for success.” He did, however, dodge questions about his plans beyond this term. “It’s ridiculous,” the 65-year-old Putin said. “Do you think I will sit here until I turn 100?” he questioned.
Well, sure seems like it now, doesn't it?
His victory comes as he faces mounting scrutiny from the West for Russian meddling in the United States’ 2016 election to which he has vehemently denied the charges — even as special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation indicted 13 Russian nationals and a handful of companies last month for infiltrating the election process. In a speech near Red Square late Sunday, Putin thanked his thousands of supporters and called for unity, saying his nation is “bound for success.” He did, however, dodge questions about his plans beyond this term. “It’s ridiculous,” the 65-year-old Putin said. “Do you think I will sit here until I turn 100?” he questioned.
Well, sure seems like it now, doesn't it?